Disclaimer! In our lifetime, we will NEVER see peace on this earth. In fact, evil in this world can be traced back to these words in Genesis. After Satan tempted Adam and Eve and they fell into sin (and brought the entire human race into sin as well), God tells the devil of a woman (Israel) and her offspring (Jesus). God then reveals something startling to him… this child of the woman will crush you one day. He will stomp on your head. He will destroy you. Obviously, this did not go well with him and he began a vengeful plot… a plot that targeted specifically anyone associated with God… Israel and the Church. This is why Israel has been persecuted relentlessly through the ages, the most recent time is the brutal attack on October 7, 2023. This is why Christians have been heavily persecuted as well.
So, let’s get back to the disclaimer. As long as Satan is still on this earth, there will ALWAYS be strife, war, turmoil, chaos, and disruption. The Bible promises a time of peace, but not until after the Tribulation when Satan is cast away for a thousand years. It’s good to have our eyes opened to this. Discord is not what we want, but it’s the reality.
The early believers were under intense persecution. Imagine how difficult it was for them on any given day hearing of their fellow brothers and sisters being tortured, imprisoned, thrown into the coliseum with hungry dogs and people applauding, or being set on fire. This was the reality Christians lived with every day. But Paul, their beloved teacher, told them that while peace didn’t exist in the world, they could have peace in their hearts. Imagine that! In one letter, he said that they should think about things that are true, right, and just (Philippians 4:8). In other words, stop focusing on the bad, but focus on the good.
What an encouraging word for us. The evil around us can invade our hearts and minds if we let it. It can throw us into a state of depression, disillusionment, and hopelessness. So, let me encourage you to do what Paul said… think about what you know is true. Focus on His promises… read and reread the last part of the book of Revelation… the day that Jesus steps foot on this earth and takes care of ALL His enemies. On this day, we have front row seats as we will accompany Him. Remind yourself that one day “every secret will be brought to light” (Mark 4:22). Read the Psalms. First thing in the morning, before turning on the news, let God’s Word invade your heart and mind. I’m guessing that this is how the early believers found peace in the cruel world they were living in. And it’s how you and I can have peace as well.